A woman whose career has taken many twists and turns, is reflecting on why she loves the switchboard industry, and plans to stay.
Shivleena Dhumal is currently a design estimator with NESMA member Controlling Power in NSW, but her background began in architecture.
“I’ve always liked using my creativity, so I initially gained an education in architecture, where I used programs like AutoCAD to produce 2D and 3D models and designs. I didn’t know it at the time, but this experience would be directly transferrable when I moved into drafting in the switchboard industry,” says Shivleena, who moved from India to Australia with her family in 2011.
“I had a new country, new weather to adapt to, and I decided it was time to explore a new career field, too. My AutoCAD and technical understanding adapted readily from architecture, and I was fortunate to have excellent mentors here in Australia,” she adds.
Shivleena began as a draftsperson for an electrical switchboard company for Scott Emerson, and then progressed to hold various roles across three other switchboard companies. These roles included electrical drafter, head electrical drafter, switchboard estimator, design engineer, project manager, and design estimator.
“Along my journey with this company and other NESMA member companies over more than a decade, I’ve had some excellent support and advice, and have been able to grow and develop my professional expertise,” she says.
Shivleena developed skills in CUBIC switchboards and software, designing custom switchboards, understanding customer requirements, forecasting, complex integrations, whole systems, PLC installations, commissioning, and fine tuning – but was always looking for the next challenge.
“I take a realistic view of the industry – I can see that it’s still a male-dominated industry overall, but you can choose what to do with this information. I chose to focus on the positive, do a good job, stand up for myself, and I found that garnered respect from men and women alike,” she says.
“Any field of work has pros and cons, and regardless of your gender, you might face criticism at some point on your journey. Don’t listen to people trying to drag you down – instead look for your supporters – the industry has far more of those, including Controlling Power, which has given me this great opportunity, and been very supportive and helpful.”
The newest challenge
Shivleena’s newest role as design estimator at Controlling Power provides an opportunity to further develop her skills. She is responsible for all documentation on specs and customer request for codes, manufacturing and safety standards (such as AS 61439), whole projects, design from single line, and general arrangement.
“I enjoy looking at the project from an end-to-end point of view. There’s great satisfaction in figuring out what the customer wants to achieve, and what the best solution will be to get there, then filling in all the dots to connect these two together,” she says. “We are fortunate to do this with VeCab™ modular system (formerly know as Vector) as an Australian designed and produced system.”
“Safety always has to be the top priority. Live switchboards present a clear danger, so it’s essential to have all the required approvals, and meet all the relevant standards. There’s no room for compromise here because there are big consequences if something goes wrong.”
“This is where the value of a national association like NESMA really shines, because they can provide clarity and education on Standards and compliance and disseminate this to members across the country.”
Looking to the future
Shivleena sees enormous potential for the entire switchboard industry in data centres, which are growing nationally, and have particular demands that require precision and technical understanding.
“I can also see AI and machine learning starting to play a larger part in the way we live and work. As these technologies are implemented in industrial contexts, greater power will be needed, and switchboard technology will need to evolve to keep up,” she says.
“I find this industry endlessly interesting, and I particularly enjoy that I can use my creativity on a daily basis. I’ve had outstanding support along the way and want to give a special mention to David Harvey who supported me like family right from start of my career in this industry, and continues to do so.”
“For anyone looking to enter the industry, my best advice is to look for your supporters, stand up for yourself, and focus on doing a good job first and foremost.”
